A day after Bollywood star Anushka Sharma angryily asked Puma to "take down" her photo shared by the brand to promote a sale event, Puma announced that the actor will be its brand ambassador. It is likely that the whole Instagram drama, hitting out at the brand was part of a smart marketing strategy.
According to media reports, the actor will endorse Puma's footwear and accessories through different activities and campaigns.
“As a brand, we strongly believe in supporting and enabling the determined spirit of women. We are extremely excited to bring Anushka into the PUMA family," said managing director of PUMA India & Southeast Asia Abhishek Ganguly.
He said the grand will create "unique opportunities" with the actor to engage with its customers and expressed confidence that the"new association with Anushka will further drive our approach towards fitness and lifestyle in the country and in turn inch us closer to our consumers across cohorts.”
The actor, who in her Instagram post on a day ago, had said ''Hey, @PumaIndia? I'm sure you know that you have to take permission before you can use my imagery for publicity since I am not your ambassador.'' Now, in the statement, she said with this new association, she will be able to "connect with and encourage more women to lead a fit and healthy lifestyle."
"I am looking forward to everything that PUMA and I have planned for the coming year,” she said.